Will Covid-19 kill environmentally friendly promotional products?

Sam Platt • 9 July 2020

At the start of 2020 one of the fastest growing market sectors for promotional branded merchandise was those products which were either recycled or non-plastic. The eco-friendly product was the one that all marketers were interested in and the product the brand wanted to use to demonstrate their social responsibility credentials.

Now 7 months later the world has changed as millions have fallen ill with Covid19. Many sectors of the economy have come to a standstill including the events and exhibitions industry and many marketers have found themselves either furloughed or working from home.

So what will happen as things get back to normal? What will be the new normal? has Covid killed the ideal of eco-friendly? Will we focus on other things or has Covid demonstrated that we can live our lives differently in a way that does not impact the environment. Let’s examine the two sides of the argument.

1. The Optimist - the environment will be top of everyone’s agenda in 2021

We have all read the stories of the change to the environment during lockdown. Cleaner air and rivers – fish in the canals of Venice and wildlife venturing into urban streets free from cars. The BBC reported that ‘pollution in New York has reduced by nearly 50% because of measures created to contain the virus’ and ‘coal use fell by 40% at China’s six largest power plants’ - as well as –‘China’s CO2 emissions fell 25% at the start of 2020’.

As Kimberly Nicholas, sustainability science researcher at Lund University in Sweden told the BBC “It may be the case that people who are avoiding travel right now are really appreciating spending time with families and focusing on those really core priorities. These moments of crisis can highlight how important those priorities are and help people focus on the health and wellbeing of family, friends and community.” The argument being that we can change our lives in quite drastic ways we can live more sustainably and we can make a difference by the millions of small actions we take.

If this argument hold true then any promotional merchandise in the future will have to be eco-friendly. Plastic giveaways simply become socially unacceptable like drink driving or smoking in public. The promotional goods industry will only be able to sell products if they have proven sustainability credentials and the eco-product goes from being a growing trend to being the norm.

2. The Pessimist – economic recovery will be top of everyone’s agenda in 2021

The National Geographic magazine reported a very different view under the heading ‘Why Covid-19 will end up harming the environment’, in the article they interviewed Corinne Le Quéré, professor of climate change at the University of East Anglia and lead author of the original study and subsequent update. “So as soon as the restrictions are released, we go right back to where we were.” Now, “the risk is very high” that carbon output could surge past pre-pandemic levels, she says, “especially since we’ve done it in the past, not very long ago.” During the 2007-08 financial crisis, emissions dropped but then bounced back. We still have the same cars, the same roads, the same industries, same houses.” Whilst accepting that global carbon emissions are down 17% she fears that the rush to economic recovery will mean the environment falls from everyone’s agenda.

The National Geographic draws on a couple of examples to re-inforce its case. Pointing to the financial aid given by the US Federal Reserve to industry they quote Lukas Ross of Friends of the Earth who points to ‘companies’ pleas for cash, regulatory rollbacks and other special favours and worries that “There’s a serious risk that polluters could emerge from this crisis bolder and potentially more profitable than ever.” The other example is the situation in Brazil where illegal loggers have accelerated the destruction of the Amazon rainforest while the nation deals with the pandemic.

The danger is that the need to recover the employment levels will be far in excess of the environmental need. For eco-friendly promotional products, which tend to be more expensive than their polluting counterparts, the danger is clear. A rush to create economic activity will push the environment to the bottom of priorities. Marketers will seek volume at the expense of brand authenticity.

Conclusion

For the promotional goods industry predicting the trends of the marketer and the brand promotion business is a thankless task. We can only stand by our principles and listen to the needs of our customers. We can state our environmental case in the strongest terms but we do not make buying decisions. Truth is it is likely that different brands and companies will react in different ways.

References:

Will Covid-19 have a lasting impact on the environment? - BBC Future – BBC.co.uk

Why COVID-19 will end up harming the environment | National Geographic – Thursday 18th June 2020 by Beth Gardiner

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Raster versus Vector - advice for the decoration of branded promotional merchandise

by David Platt • 5 February 2025

Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.